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Frequently Asked Questions Before the Start of the Project
When will the Graduate Research Project be a good idea for me?
The Graduate Research Project requires that you are able to decompose large and somewhat unstructered problems into small consecutive steps. To that end, you must possess a certain level of self-organization, must be able to open new scientific content to you, and must be willing to invest time into the project. In other words, during the Graduate Reserach Project your academic studies will no longer be "business as usual".
On the other hand, if you prefer pre-structured academic coureses with clearly defined tasks and contents, we strongly recommend that you choose "normal" modules.
To figure out whether the Graduate Research Project fits your skill set, remind Master/Bachelor seminars or the Bachelor thesis. If you liked research, opening of new content, and paper writing, you will have a strong argument for the Graduate Research Project. By no means should you choose the Graduate Research Project to avoid written exams. For the specific composition of the project will involve a high risk of failure if you are not good at working and writing on your own.
When can I apply for a project?
You must have acquired 24 ECTS. There are no further restrictions.
What is the difference between a research- and an industry-oriented project?
Research-oriented projects are ideal for students who aim at a PhD or would like to work in institutions that are close to research (e.g., Bundesbank), or would like to write a scientifically ambitious Master thesis.
Industry-oriented projects are ideal for students wao would like to work in the industry after their Master, maybe even have a specific company in mind, and would like to practice the typical form of work in the industry, namely project work.How can I make a decision between "normal" moduls and industry- or research-oriented projects?
We offer mentoring. Based on the mentoring you can - based on your personal skills and goals - decide between "normal" modules, industry- or reserach-oriented projects.
Please note: Since the Graduate Research Project comprises 18 ECTS, you cannot switch between "normal" Moduls and Graduate Research Project.
Does a research-oriented project always end with a PhD?
No. The research-oriented project cover topic that are theoretically more demanding. Such topics are definitely more suited for a PhD project. However, such topics are also interesting for specialist departments of companies, risk consulting companies, advisory departments of auditing companies since these types of companies have their focus on technical instead of management skills. In addition, a research-oriented project will be a good choice if would like to write a scientifically ambitious Master thesis.
Do "normal" moduls or a industry-oriented project prevent me from obtaining a PhD?
No.
"Normal" moduls rest upon pre-structured courses and stress less self-structured work that is characteristic of a PhD project. However, should you develop an desire for self-structured work and scientifically ambitious topics, you can of course choose the PhD path – assuming that your grades are good enough.
Industry-oriented projects cover topics that (usually) are close to the needs of companies. However, should you develop an desire for self-structured work and scientifically ambitious topics, you can of course choose the PhD path – assuming that your grades are good enough.How long does the Graduate Research Project take/How does the Graduate Research Project fit into study plan (that rely on 6 ECTS modules)?
As a rule, the Graduate Research Project should not exceed 6 month. The exact positioning of the project in the study plan is flexible and depend on industry partner or the supervisor. The Graduate Research Project is scheduled for the third semester for organizational reasons only. In particular, it is possible and recommended to start preparatory work in the semester break. Moreover, you can think about submitting the paper in the ensuing semester break.
I would like to go abroad in my third semester. How does this fit to the Graduate Research Project?
The exact positioning of the project in the study plan is flexible and depend on industry partner or the supervisor. The Graduate Research Project is scheduled for the third semester for organizational reasons only. In particular, it is possible and recommended to start preparatory work in the semester break. Morover, be aware that lecture times abroad might differ from German lecture times so that some "waste" arises either at the beginning or the end of the semester abroad. This "waste" can be used for preparing or finalizing the project. In addition: You can do some of the project work abroad.
How do I get a project?
Do not forget to start plannign early, i.e., think about projects at the end of the first semster if you want to start at end end of the second/beginn of the third semeseter.
Industry-oriented projects
Core is the "fit“ between student team and industrial partner.Hence, you as students should be motivated to find industrial partners. That way the fit between you and the partner will, by defintion, be high.
In addition, our research group will provide selected projects (if available). To assure the fit between studetns and industrial pernter, we will present your applicatin to the industrial partner. Thereroe, the industrial partner ha the right to veto applications.
By the way, the best way of finding industrial partners is an internship or a job as working student.Research-oriented projects
All aspects of the project are individually negotiated with the supervisor.What is needed for an application/What documents must be handed in?
- Documents
- CV
- Transcript
- Sketch of the project together with tentative time schedule
- Composition of and allocatio of jobs within the project team
- Meaningful motivational letter
- Please send all these documents via email to your supervisor.
- Documents
What topic is suited as project?
Generally, the topic must be at Master level, i.e., must not be too easy or too difficult. We as supervisors guarantee the adequate level of the project. Restrictions regarding the topic – besides a general connection with Finance and Banking – do not exist.
How do I find members of my project team?
Principally, it is your chance and obligation to find a team. We can, however, help you with the search of team members.
Is it possible to suggest an industrail partner for an industry-oriented project?
Yes, this is the perfect way of getting a project started. Then it will be guaranteed that the fit between topic and industrial partner will be very high.
What happens if I cannot find a project?
You can always do "normal" moduls. This Plan B ensures that you will be albe to finish you Master program without loss of time.
Is it possible to do a project with less than 18 ECTS?
No, that is impossible.
Why do we need so extensive documents during the application process?
A sketch of the project with a tentative time schedule, a description of the composition of and the job allocation within the team, and a meaningful motivational letter serve as a signal that allows us and a potential industrial partner to judge you with respect to willingness and ability to finish the project.
Time schedule and motivational letter allow industrial partners to match the expectations of both sides with respect to the project and to make a decision on acceptance or rejction of the project team.